Watkins Maintains the Edge - However Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

Just one goal in his first ten top-flight appearances this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he is the most talked-about striker in England after scoring seven goals in six back-to-back games.

His newest finish, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, seeing him become the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this campaign.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old signed for Leeds United on a free transfer in the summer, following a nine-year period with Everton that was marred by injuries in its final stages.

Yet, the statistics supporting his revival in Daniel Farke's new fast-breaking 3-5-2 system are extremely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run sees him in exclusive company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run of this length - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who embarked on an eight-game scoring streak for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Hot Streak?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so hard to stop in the past month? A recent opponent's manager described it succinctly.

"He has the ideal timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive just on time."

That nose for goal and timing inside the box was what made him a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits note the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to enter the box and occupy defenders, thereby given the striker additional space.

"He is a traditional centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a exquisite little flick beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of downs. A challenge of character and I've hung in there and kept going... I've believed in myself and this is the result."

His manager has shown complete confidence at this hot streak, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the division.

International Question

Calvert-Lewin's resurgence has predictably fueled talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England caps, with four goals, but has not featured for the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Analysts feel the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this form.

"He looks as sharp as he has in a long time," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Competition

However, the battle for places supporting Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a match-winning double versus Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the selection race, according to some analysis.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the edge in terms of using his pace to test teams," it was said.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major tournament."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many specialist strikers the England manager decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he certainly has a chance."